Totalizer control mechanism



Patented 3, 1970 [73] Aaaignee The National Cash Register Company DI Ohio: a co ation of Maryland [54] T0 lZER CONTROL MECHANISM 4 C a, 7 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. 235/6 [51] lnt.Cl G06c2 [501 Field ot'SearchW, 35/ 6 60 O vUnlted States Patent 1 11113,537,641

[72] Inventors Larry D. Altic [56] References Cited i a: UNITED STATES PATENTS 2 A IN gggz' 2,774,298 12/1956 Plackeetal. 101/93 1 J 4, 3,015,437 62 Dodsworth.... 235/602 2 Gellin 235/602 6 11/1964 Beaso al... 4/1967 Mark 2 Primary ExaminerStephen J. To

msky Attorney- Louis A. Kline, Wilbert Hank, Jr. and Richard W.

avin

tive condition.

Elibfiw; fi v w s is PICK III Patenfed Nov. 3, 1970 3,537,641

Sheet 3 of4 FIG. 2

I .INVENTORS LARRY D. ALTIC a BURL H. VICK THElR ATTORNEYS Patented Nov. 3, 1970 v 3,537,641

Sheet .3 0r 4 FIG. 3

INVENTORS LARRY D. ALTIC 8| BURL H. VICK THEIR ATTORNEYS TOTALIZER CONTROL MECHANISM CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED PATENTS Selective Feed and Print Control Means in Accounting Machines, U.S. Pat. No. 2,774,298, issued Dec. 18, 1956, on

. the application, of Everett H. Placke et al.

Detent Controlling Mechanism, U.S. Pat. No. 3,158,3l8, issued Nov. 24, I964, on the application of George C. Beason et al.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to an accounting machine having an add-subtract totalizer which is utilized to perform subtraction operations on amounts entered into the totalizer. As a result of a subtraction operation, the totalizer will be in a positive or a negative condition with the amount stored in the totalizer. Control keys are located on the accounting machine to control its operations, including the storing and transferring of amounts in the totalizer, the printing of such amounts on appropriate record elements, and their indication. The accounting machine has a limited capacity as to the number of control keys which can be installed. In the present embodiment, the accounting machine is supplied with the maximum number of control keys, which include a balance key for resetting the add-subtract totalizer to zero when, at the end of a previous machine operation, the totalizer was-in a positive condition; a subbalance key to read the totalizer when in a positive condition; and an overdraft key for resetting the totalizer when in a negative condition. A need arose to provide the accounting machine with the capability of reading the addsubtract totalizer when in a negative condition. Therefore it is an object of this invention to provide a control circuit which will modify the functional operation of existing control keys to read an add-subtract totalizer when in a negative condition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A first motorized control key, which, when depressed, normally initiates a machine operation and reads an add-subtract totalizer when in a positive condition, is disabled from initiating a machine operation by the opening of switch contacts as a result of the add-subtract totalizers being shifted to a negative condition. The initiation of a machine operation, in this latter condition, with the first motorized control key depressed, is accomplished by depression of a second control key, which is operable only when the add-subtract totalizer is in a negative condition, which results in the reading of the add-subtract totalizer while in a negative condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of the auxiliary keyboard utilized in the present machine;

FIG. 2 is a side detailed cross-sectional view taken at the I right of the first transaction bank, showing the auxiliary keyboard, the regular keyboard, the differential slide, and the transmission line;

FIG. 3 is a detailed side view of the mechanism for the shifting of the add-subtract totalizer;

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the switch mechanism actuated by the subbalance transaction key;

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a solenoid-operated mechanism for releasing the keylock line;

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the lockout detent and its control by the overdraft line; and

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram for controlling the energization of the trip solenoid.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The present invention is utilized in an accounting machine of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,774,298, issued Dec. 18, I956, on the application of Everett H. Placke et al. This machine has been modified by the addition of a solenoidoperated auxiliary keyboard of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat.

No. 3,158,3l8, issued Nov. 24, 1964, on the application of George C. Beason et al. This modification allows the accounting machine to be connected to an electronic computer for remote operation by the computer. In the following description, only those elements which are pertinent to an understanding of the invention will be given a detailed explanation. With respect to the functional operation of the accounting machine and its components, reference will be made to the above-cited references, using the figures and the reference numerals found therein.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown the keyboard 20 of the accounting machine in which the present invention is utilized. Included in the keyboard are four rows of transaction keys 21 to 24 inclusive and nine rows of amount keys 25. Located in the first row of transaction keys are an overdraft key 26, a subbalance key 27, and a balance key 28. As is fully disclosed in the previously cited U.S. Pat. of Everett H. Placke et al., No. 2,774,298, the overdraft key 26 functions to trip the machine for a reset, or total, operation, in which the totalizers are reset to zero, and shift the add-subtract totalizer to such a position that the subtract totalizer wheel is engaged by a differential actuator member, so that the amount contained in the totalizer wheel can be printed. Reference should be made to FIG. 11 of U.S. Pat. No. 2,774,298, and to column 14 ofits specification, which describes the operation and function of the differential actuator member 269.

Thebalance key 28 functions in a manner similar to the manner of operation of the overdraft key 26, except that the positive side, or the add totalizer wheel, of the add-subtract totalizer is reset to zero. The subbalance key 27 functions to read, or subtotal, the positive side of the add-subtract totalizer; that is, first reset the totalizer to zero and then add back the same amount, so that the totalizer retains its original total. With the present complement of transaction keys as shown in FIG. 1, it is obvious that the accounting machine is unable to accommodate an additional transaction key, whose function would be similar to the function of the subbalance key but would be to read the negative side of the add-subtract totalizer. The present invention accomplishes this function by use of the existing overdraft and subbalance keys.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a partial detailed side view of the first transaction row 21 of control keys. The present machine consists of the accounting machine disclosed in the previously cited Plack e et al. U.S. Pat. No. 2,774,298, with an auxiliary keyboard 30 (FIG. 2) of the type disclosed in the Beason et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,158,318, also previously cited. Included in the auxiliary keyboard30 are transaction keys 31, having a key stem portion 32, which engages a plunger 33 of an associated. solenoid 34, which is mounted within the auxiliary keyboard. Associated with each of the transaction keys 31 are a number of control detents 35 having a number of slots, within which are positioned the key stems 32 of the transaction keys. Depending on the function of the keys and the function of the control detent, depression of a transaction key results in the horizontal movement of the control detents. Reference should be made to the previously cited Beason et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,158,318, for a complete disclosure of the control detents 35 and their operation.

As shown in FIG. 2, the lower end of the plunger 33 of each of the keys of the auxiliary keyboard engages the top of an associated key stem 36 of the keys of the regular keyboard. It is seen from this construction that depression of a transaction key 31 on the auxiliary keyboard results in the depression of its associated key stem 36 in the regular keyboard. Energization of the solenoids 34 also results in the same operation, thus allowing the accounting machine to be operated by an electronic computer.

Each of the key stems 36 is mounted for vertical movement similar to that of the key stems 32 of the auxiliary keyboard. Also included is an auxiliary plate 37, which acts as a support for a series of studs 38, which in turn act as a guide for a coil spring 40, stretching from a stud 41 near the front end of the auxiliary plate to a stud 42 near the rear end of the auxiliary plate. The coil spring 40 forms a means for restoring the key stems 36 and holding them in their upper, or undepressed, positions. Each of the amount and transaction banks of the regular keyboard includes a flexible detent (not shown), whose function is to lock any depressed key in its position and to return that key to its undepressed position upon the depression of another key in that same bank.

Located beneath each bank of key stems 36 is a differential actuator slide 43, the movement of which is controlled by operation of the key stems 36 in a manner well known in the art. Each actuator slide 43 of the transaction banks is suitably slotted to be supported by, and slide on, two collars 44, 45, which are supported by studs 46, 47, respectively, which in turn are mounted on the machine framework. Each actuator slide 43 has, mounted on its upper surface, a plurality of projections 48, which coact with studs 50 mounted on the lower end of the key stems 36.

As shown in FIG. 2,'the studs 50 project alternately to the right and to the left into the path of the projections 48, which in turn are alternately arranged on the slide 43. The relationship between the studs 50 and the projections 48 is such that, on operation of the machine with a key depressed, the slide 43 is driven forwardly until it is arrested in a position commensurate with the position of the depressed key. The differential actuator slide 43 drives a second slide 51, which is characterized as a control slide. As shown in FIG. 2, the control slide 51 has three sets of teeth, one set of which, 52, engages and drives a gear segment 53 rotatable on a shaft 54. Connected to the segment 53 by a hub is another segment 55, which meshes with a ring gear 56 provided with internal teeth and rotatably mounted on a disc 57 carried by the shaft 58. A pinion gear 60 meshes with the internal teeth 61 of the'ring gear 56 and is mounted on a square shaft 62 extending between the side frames (not shown) of the machine framework. As described more fully in the previously cited Placke et a1. U.S. Pat. No. 2,774,298, rotation of the ring gear 56 controls a number of notched control plates due to the coaction between the internal teeth of the ring gear 56 and the pinion gear 60, resulting in the rotational driving of the square shaft 62 a predetermined distance commensurate with the movement of the control slide 51. Rotation of the square shaft 62 transmits this motion to a similar pinion, which engages similar internal teeth of a notched control plate (not shown). Reference should be made to FIGS. 47, 48, 49, 50, and 51 of U.S. Pat. No. 2,774,298, which discloses notched control plates 801, 802, 803, and 806 and the mechanism that they control. Each transaction bank controls one or more square shafts, each of which in turn controls a different notched control plate. With the construction just described, it is seen that the depression of any one key in the transaction bank results in the movement of the differential slide 43 and the control slide 51 a distance commensurate with the position of the depressed key. This movement is transmitted through the segments 53, 55 to the ring gear 56 and the square stud 62 to position an associated notched plate. Referring to FIGS. 47 and 53 of US. Pat. No. 2,774,298, the notched plate 806 disclosed therein is controlled by the transaction keys of the first transaction bank 21 (FIG. 1). The mechanism disclosed in FIG. 47 selects the addsubtract totalizer for operation, while the mechanism disclosed in FIG. 53 operates the selected totalizer line in either read or reset timing. These functions will be described hereafter with relation to the operation of the control keys 26, 27, and 28 (FIG. 1) of the keyboard.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown the mechanism for shifting the add-subtract totalizer to position the subtract totalizer for engagement by the differential actuator referred to previously. Located in the first transaction bank is a control detent 63 slidably mounted adjacent the transaction keys. Located adjacent a stud 64 mounted on the overdraft key stem 36 (FIG. 2) is a cam surface 65, which, upon depression of the overdraft control key 26 (FIG. 1), is engaged by the stud 64, which shifts the control detent 63 to the left, as viewed in FIG. 3. The right-hand end of the detent 63 is provided with a stud 66 projecting into a notch of an arm 67 pivoted on a stud 68. The lower end of the arm 67 is bifurcated to engage the hail of a yoke 70, pivotally mounted on the stud 68. The yoke 70 is provided with an arm 71 having a stud 72 projecting into the bifurcated end of a bell crank 73. A link 74 connects the bell crank 73 with a control arm 75. The function of the control arm 75 will be described hereinafter.

The add-subtract totalizer comprises an adding wheel (not shown) and a subtracting wheel 76 rotatably mounted on a support shaft 77. Secured to the support shaft 77 are a collar 78 and a yoke 80, which straddles the collar. The yoke is slidably mounted on two shafts 81, 82 secured between side frames (not shown) of the machine. A roller (not shown), mounted on the yoke 80, projects into a cam slot (not shown) of a drum cam 83 rotatably mounted on a shaft 87 supported within the side frames of the machine. A gear 85, mounted on the drum cam 83, meshes with -a segment 86 rotatably mounted on the shaft 87. The segment 86 is connected to a bell crank 88 by means of a toggle comprising two links, 90, 91. The links 90, 91 are connected by a stud 92, which projects into a cam slot 93 in a lever 94 pivoted on a shaft 99. The lever 94 is connected to a cam arm 95 by a link 96. The cam arm 95 is pivoted on a shaft 97 and carries two rollers 98, 100, which engage a pair of cams 101 secured to the main cam shaft 102 of the machine.

A spring urged retaining pawl 103 is provided with a stud 104 engaging a notch in the segment 86 to hold the segment against accidental movement.

When the cams 101 rock the arm 95 counterclockwise, the lever 94 is rocked clockwise to straighten the toggles 90, 91. At this time, the segment 86 is held by the retaining pawl 103, and therefore the bell crank 88 is rocked idly in a counterclockwise direction, with the result that the segment does not actuate the drum cam 83, and the add-subtract totalizer is not shifted into a subtract position.

Mounted on the bell crank 88 is a roller 105, normally resting on the upper end of a bell crank 106, pivoted on a stud 107. The bell crank 106 is connected to an arm 108 by a link 110. The arm 108 is secured to a shaft 111, which is rocked counterclockwise (FIG. 3) when the machine is released for operation. This action, through the link 110, rocks the bell crank 106 clockwise to withdraw the upper end of the bell crank 106 from beneath the roller 105, freeing the bell crank 88 for movement.

As described previously, depression of the overdraft key 26 (FIG. 1) results in the shifting of the control detent 63 to the left. This results inthe rocking of the yoke 70 and, through the stud 72, the rocking of the bell crank 73, which, through the link 74, moves the control arm 75 over the roller 105 on the bell crank 88. Upon release of the machine for a machine operation with the control arm 75 over the roller 105, the withdrawal of the bell crank 106 in the manner described above frees the bell crank 88 to move clockwise during the operation of the machine. This clockwise'movement of the bell crank 88 is effected by the cam 101 through the connections including the cam arm 95, the link 96, and the lever 94, which, when engaging the stud 92 to straighten the toggle, comprising the links 90, 91, cause the roller 105 to engage the lower end of the stop arm 75. When this occurs, the toggle rotates the segment 86 clockwise to rotate the drum cam 83 to shift the yoke 80 and the totalizer shaft 77 to bring the subtract wheels 76 into alignment with the differential actuator. Since the operation of the overdraft key resets the subtract totalizer wheel to zero, the subtract totalizer wheel 76 is brought into engagement with the differential actuator, and

. the actuator is rotated until the totalizer wheel is reset to its operation, reference should be made to the previously cited US. Pat. No. 2,774,298.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a lockout detent operated when the add-subtract totalizer is in a negative condition. When an amount entered into the subtract totalizer wheels during an add operation is greater than the amount entered in the add totalizer wheels, a shaft 112 (FIG. 6) is rocked clockwise. For a complete disclosure of this operation, reference should be made to FIGS. 64 and 66 of the previously cited Placke et al. U.S. Pat. No. 2,774,298. Pinned to the shaft 112 are a pair of arms 113, 114. The arm 113 contains a stud 115, which, upon the clockwise rocking of the shaft 112 and the arm 113, engages and closes switch contacts 116 of a switch 117. The rotation of the arm 114 is transmitted through a link 118, a bell crank 120 rotatably mounted on the shaft 121, a second bell crank 122 rotatably mounted on the shaft 123, and link 124 to a lockout detent 125 slidably mounted on a frame member 126 adjacent the key stems 36 of the control keys 26, 27, and 28. The control detent 125 is shifted to the right, as viewed in FIG. 6, which positions a notch 127 adjacent the stud 64 of the key stem of the overdraft key 26. A second notch 128 allows the subbalance key 27 to be operated, but a blocking surface 130 prevents operation of the balance key 28. The function of the detent 125 will be described more fully hereinafter with respect to FIG. 7.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a schematic diagram of the control circuit used to condition the subbalance control key 27 (FIG. 1) to control the machine for a read operation when the add-subtract totalizer is in an overdraft condition. The control keys 26, 27, and 28 (FIG. 1) are normally motorized keys. Depression of any of thesekeys shifts a control detent (not shown) similar to the detent 63 (FIG. 3). The detent rocks the keylock line 131 (FIG. 2), the function of which is to initiate a machine operation in a manner well known in the art. The circuit which will now be described modifies the function of the subbalance key 27 (FIG. 1) and the overdraft key 26. As described previously, the subbalance key, when depressed, initiates a machine operation in which the add totalizer wheels of the add-subtract totalizer are subtotaled. The overdraft key 26 normally functions to reset the subtract totalizer wheels. With the novel circuit disclosed herein, whenever the add-subtract totalizer is in an overdraft condition as a result of a machine operation, the subbalance key controls the machine for a subtotal, or read, operation but does not initiate a machine operation. The subsequent depression of the overdraft key after the depression of the subbalance key under these conditions initiates a machine operation, with the subtract totalizer wheel being read, or subtotaled. 7

Under normal operation, when the add-subtract totalizer is in a positive condition, depression of the subbalance key 27 (FIGS. 1 and 2) allows a stud 132 (FIG. 4), mounted on the key stem 36, to be withdrawn from the switch contact blade 133 of a switch 134, thereby closing the switch. This switch is indicated in FIG. 7 as SC535. The switch is shown in the normally open position. Closing of the switch SC535 completes an energizing circuit to a trip solenoid L540 from the positive side of the power supply over conductors 142, 141, the trip solenoid L540, the normally closed contacts K524bc11, switch SC522, conductor 140, diode 138, the normally closed contacts K5 121203, conductor 137, switch SC535 and conductor 136, 135 to the negative side of the power supply. As shown in FIG. 5, the trip solenoid L540 indicated as 143 has its armature 144 connected to an arm 145 pinned to a shaft 146. Also pinned to the shaft 146 is a latch arm 147 having a latch portion 148 engaging a stud 150 mounted on an arm 151 pinned to the keylock line 131. Energization of the solenoid 143 moves the armature 144 to the right, as viewed in FIG. 5, which results in the counterclockwise rocking of the shaft 146 and the latch arm 147, thereby releasing the keylock line 131 for rotation counterclockwise to initiate a machine operation. The closing of the switch SC535 also completes an energizing circuit to the relay K517 over the conductor 137, the relay K517, and the conductors 154 and 142. Energization of the relay K517 opens the contacts K5l7bcl, the function of which will be described hereinafter. Upon restoration of the subbalance key, the switch SC535 is switched to the position shown in FIG. 7, which deenergizes both the trip solenoid L540 and the relay K517 When any other motorized control switch in the first transaction bank is depressed, a switch SC502 is closed, which completes an energizing circuit from the solenoid L540 over contacts K524bc11, switch SC522, normally closed contacts K517bcl, switch SC502, and conductors 152, 135. This circuit allows the machine to operate in a normal manner under the control of transaction keys in the first transaction bank other than the subbalance key.

When the add-subtract totalizer is in an overdraft condition as a result of a machine operation, the switch 117 (FIG. 6) will have been closed. This switch 117 is indicated as SC525 in FIG. 7. As described previously, when an overdraft condition occurs, the detent (FIG. 6) conditions only the subbalance key 27 and the overdraft key 26 for operation. Closing of the switch SC525 by the operation of the overdraft line completes an energizing circuit to an overdraft relay K512 over conductors 135, 153, the relay K512, the now-closed switch SC525, and the conductor 142. Energization of the relay K512 opens the contact K5l2bc3, thereby disabling the normal energizing circuit to the trip solenoid L540 over the switch SC535. This prevents the subbalance key from initiating a machine operation.

If the add-subtract totalizer is to be reset, depression of the overdraft key closes a switch SC536 in addition to SC502, which completes an energizing circuit to the trip solenoid L540 over either contact K517bc1 or switch SC536. If the add-subtract totalizer is to be subtotaled, or read, depression of the subbalance key closes SC535, which completes an energizing circuit to the relay K517, as described previously. This opens the contact K517bc1, which forces the energizing circuit to the trip solenoid L540 to be completed over contact SC536, which is closed upon-the operation of the overdraft key. Thus, by depression of both the overdraft key and subbalance key when the add-subtract totalizer is in an overdraft condition, the subtract totalizer is subtotaled. For a complete description and operation of a subtotal operation, reference should be made to the previously cited Placke et al. U.S. Pat. No. 2,774,298.

Included in FIG. 7 is a relay K524, the function of which is to interrupt the energizing circuit to the trip solenoid L540 in case a motorized key which controls the switch SC502 is held in a depressed condition at the end of a machine operation. The switch SC522 is a cam switch which will switch contacts during a machine operation to complete an energizing circuit to K524 over switch SC502, switch SC522, conductor 155, closed contacts K509bc3, and conductor 142. Energization of K524 opens the contact K524bc11 and closes the contact K524a12. Opening of K524bc11 opens the energizing circuit to the trip solenoid L540, while closing of contacts K524al2 provides a holding circuit to K524 when SC522 is switched back to the position shown in FIG. 7. It is seen that this condition exists as long as SC502 is switched by the depression of a motorized key. Release of the key deenergizes K524, thus closing K524bc1l and conditioning the energizing circuit to L540 for operation.

We claim:

1. In an accounting machine having an add-subtract totalizer capable of receiving a plurality of positive and negative entries to create positive and negative balances in the totalizer and including a first control key for initiating a machine operation wherein the totalizer having a positive balance is subtotaled, and a second control key for initiating a machine operation wherein the totalizer having a negative balance is reset, the combination of:

a. means including a first electromagnetic means for initiating a machine operation when energized;

b. a first energizing circuit connected to said first electromagnetic means including a first'normally open switch contact, said contact being closed by operation of said first control key to energize said electromagnetic means, whereby said accounting machine is operated to perform a subtotal operation;

c. a second energizing circuit connected to said first electromagnetic means including a second normally open switch contact, said second switch contact being closed by operation of said secondcontrol key, whereby the totalizer having a negative balance is reset;

d. actuating means operated by said totalizer when positioned to contain a negative balance; and

e. a first normally closed switch contact located in said first energizing circuit, said closed switch contact adapted to open by operation of said actuating means to disable said first circuit means, whereby, upon actuation of said first and second control keys, a machine operation is initiated to subtotal the totalizer having a negative balance.

2. The accounting machine of claim 1 in which the actuating means includes:

a. an actuating member shifted to a first position when the totalizer contains a negative balance;

b. a second electromagnetic means for opening said first normally closed switch contact when energized;

c. an enegizing circuit to said second electromagnetic means including a third normally open switch contact; and

d. a switch member controlling said third normally open counting machine includes a plurality of third control keys for initiating a machine operation: I

a third energizing circuit connected to said first electromagnetic means including a fourth normally open switch contact, said fourth switch contact being closed by operation of said second and third control keys, whereby a machine operation is initiated; and

a second normally closed contactlocated in said third engaging circuit, said second vnormally closed contact adapted to be opened upon operation of said first control key, whereby said third energizing circuit is disabled from operation.

4. The accounting machine of claim 3 which includes a third electromagnetic means connected to said first energizing circuit and adapted, when energized, to open said second normally closed contact, whereby, upon actuation of said first control key, said third energizing circuit is disabled. 

